Piper aduncum originates from Central America. It occurs in many countries throughout Asia and the Pacific - but not in Africa. A small tree to 7 m tall, with short silt roots and soft, brittle wood; foliage and twigs aromatic. It is listed by Orapa 2001 as a newly introduced weed that has the potential to become an aggressive invader. Found between sea level and 2,000 m above sea level. Seen along roadsides and in forest clearance areas on well-drained soils Inflorescence a leaf-opposed, curved spike on a 12-17 cm peduncle, white to pale yellow, turning green with maturity.  Flowers crowded in regular transverse ranks.  Fruit a 1-seeded berry, blackish when ripe.  Seeds brown to black, 0.7 -1.25 mm long, compressed, with a reticulate surface. It has very small seeds, which are mostly dispersed by the wind, fruit bats and birds.